Malloy told reporters on Tuesday that the layoffs will proceed, but on a staggered basis. He said a “substantial number” will lose their jobs on Wednesday with a substantial number also remaining on the job until more senior staff from specialized units can be moved into the remaining slots.

Malloy said he didn’t want to proceed with the layoffs but had no choice after the unionized troopers voted down the wage-freeze portion of the labor savings and concessions deal. He said he hopes the laid-off troopers will be re-hired as veteran officers retire.